Cheptegei Talent Search at Elgon Half Marathon

Almost two weeks ago, Joshua Cheptegei completed his 2024 competition schedule by winning the Delhi Half Marathon in India.

That same year, he decided to close the track running chapter by winning a gold medal in the 10,000 meters at the Paris Olympics in France.

When Cheptegei looks back on the successful 10-year period, he clearly wants the country to continue to win.

And with all due respect to Jacob Kiplimo, Perut Chemutai, Halima Nakaayi and company, Cheptegei through his Joshua Cheptegei Development Foundation (Jocdef) is committed to nurturing future stars.

This initiative remains key as Jocdef, in partnership with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), prepares to host the second Elgon Half Marathon in Mbale tomorrow.

And this is necessary because Cheptegei dreams of raising the next Rebecca Cheptegei. Rebecca, who had no relation to Joshua, died in August after her partner burned her in a domestic attack.

A few weeks earlier, she had represented Uganda in the women’s marathon during the Paris Olympics. Her demise is now also a crater for strengthening the fight against gender-based violence in Mbale.

“This marathon is more than an endurance test; this is a call to action. We must protect our environment, preserve our natural heritage and promote sustainable livelihoods,” Cheptegei said.

“Through this marathon, we promote inclusivity, empower women and foster a culture of respect,” said Cheptegei, who holds both world records in the 5,000 meters and 10,000 meters.

Around 1,000 participants, including elite runners, are expected to compete in the 5K, 10K and 21K distances. Some entries involve elite runners from Kenya and Uganda and promote sports tourism.

However, the Elgon region is facing massive deforestation, sand mining and logging, and Jodef is keen to work on protecting the ecosystem around Mount Elgon to combat climate change and thereby achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“Our environment must be preserved to ensure sustainable livelihoods,” said UNDP country representative Vwede-Obahor.

“It’s great that we have talented people. But what Joshua did was use his talent to benefit his community. Where I come from, we only know you when what you have done reaches your community,” Wwede-Obahor added.

Apart from UNDP, Nation Media Group, Infinix, Ministries of Tourism and Gender Affairs are supporting the event along with Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Uganda Wildlife Authority (Uva), National Forestry Authority (NFA), National Environmental Administration. Governing body (Nema), Uganda Athletics Federation (UAF) and United Nations Industrial Development Organization (Unido).

UNDP ELGONA HALF MARATHON

Venue: Mountain Elgon region.

Races: 5 km, 10 km and 21 km.

Founder: Joshua Cheptegei